Women experience various changes during and after menopause that go beyond hot flashes and mood swings. One of the most serious, and often overlooked, changes happens within the bones.

Weaker bones as you get older increases the risk of falls and serious breaks, along with general weakness.

Read on to learn more about osteoporosis and bone health after menopause and things you can do to keep your bones strong.

Osteoporosis and Bone Health After Menopause: The Connection

Estrogen has many roles in the body, including bone health. It helps regulate the process of breaking down old bone and replacing it with new bones.

Menopause causes estrogen levels to fall, which disrupts this natural cycle. As a result, bone is lost faster than it’s rebuilt.

Studies have found that women can lose up to 20% of their bone density within the first five to seven years of menopause.

This often leads to osteoporosis, which occurs when the bones are weak and brittle.

How to Protect Your Bones

While hormone replacement therapy is the go-to treatment for stabilizing hormone levels, which supports bone help, there are also other things you can do, including:

• Ensure you’re getting plenty of calcium and vitamin D. Aim for at least 1,200 mg of calcium daily by eating foods like dairy, leafy greens, and fortified products. You can also take a supplement to boost levels.
• Exercise a few times a week. Physical activity is one of the best ways to slow bone loss. Light jogging, walking, and dancing put gentle stress on your bones, which stimulates growth. The addition of strength training builds muscle and supports your skeletal health.
• Maintain a healthy weight. Being underweight increases your risk of fractures. On the other hand, carrying extra weight puts additional strain on your joints and bones. Regular activity and eating a balanced diet can help keep your weight stable.

With these tips you can keep your bones strong for many years to come.

Get the Quality Care You Deserve

When it comes to osteoporosis and bone health after menopause, taking action early makes all the difference.

For the best care and treatment in the area, choose Tyson’s Gynecology.

Contact us today at 703-991-6806 to schedule a consultation.